BOLTON'S first female police chief has praised community leaders for their strong support as she prepares to retire.

Supt Sandra Lee, 53, will leave Astley Bridge police station tomorrow after a busy term in charge.

And she is confident the Astley Bridge sub-division is in good shape for the future.

She said: "The last two years have been a success. The figures show that we have reduced crime."

Her only disappointment is the number of road accidents in the sub-division. She renewed her appeal to motorists to take more care on the roads.

A big part of her work during recent months has centred around policing the Middlebrook development, and the Reebok Stadium in particular.

Her last match in command at the stadium was the game against Arsenal. After the game Supt Lee was presented with a specially produced certificate signed by all the Wanderers players and officials.

She said: "It is a wonderful memento. It illustrates the excellent working relationship I have had with Gordon Hargreaves and all at the club, as well as with the local authority." Supt Lee has also been impressed with the work of Bolton Council and Horwich and Westhoughton town councils.

She also highlighted the positive relationship developed with Bolton's Asian community through the police and community ethnic sub-group chairman Anwar Rae.

Although she is leaving public life after 30 years service Supt Lee will remain in the Bolton area. She lives in Horwich and plays golf at Westhoughton Golf Club.

The new superintendent at Astley Bridge will be Stuart Bailey who starts next month. He has been working as a Chief Inspector at Ashton-under-Lyne.

Supt Lee added: "I have been privileged to work with a great team of men and women here. I'm sure that good work will carry on with Mr Bailey."

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